In at least two of the incidents, mopeds were stolen from the victims, and in a third, a robbery was involved.

The 16-year-old, who can't be named because of his age, has now been charged with 15 offences, including grievous bodily harm. Subsequently, another boy aged 15 years was also arrested by the police on similar suspicions, reports CNN. Both suspects are now being held at a north London police station.

The British government began talking to police, government officials and retailers this month about the feasibility of banning some acids, a process that would be complicated by the fact that they are commonly found in household products like drain cleaner and bleach.

Following this incident, a corrosive substance was reported to have been thrown in the face of a man (no further details) by two males on a moped in Shoreditch High Street, E8 at 23:05hrs.

At 10.49pm, a man was reported to have had a corrosive substance thrown in his face by two males on a moped in Upper Street junction with Highbury Corner. The duo rode mopeds around the area and threw liquid acid in peoples' faces. His injuries were not life-threatening, police said.

In April, acid was sprayed at a crowded east London club night, leaving two revelers partially blinded and others disfigured. The first victim had the acid thrown into his face shortly before one of the suspects jumped onto his scooter and sped away.

An individual has been taken into custody following an acid-attack spree in east London on Thursday night. "My family's scared. They were asking me to leave that job, but I love that job".

Home Office minister Sarah Newton told the BBC Friday that while the government was considering tighter restrictions on such materials, the fact they could be found in any kitchen cupboard made legislation hard.

Moody added that more police, and about 20 delivery drivers, later arrived at the scene to help the man.

She said: "We will seek to ensure everyone working in the criminal justice system, from police officers to prosecutors, has the powers they need to punish severely those who commit these appalling crimes".